to BF or not to BF that is the question!! NO JUDGING PLEASE!!

i am a stay at home full time step mom and bio mom, my 2 step sons live with DH and i full time and have for 5 years (mom is completely out of the picture) and i really want to breast feed but at the same time i dont because of my step sons!! im stuck i want to because its good for my baby but i cant even wear a bathing suit infront of them with out feeling awkward infront of them evenafter 5 years!!! yes we all know thats its natural to bf but they are young boys and the thought boobs makes them giggle which is ok but how am i going to be comfortable breast feeding my new baby infront of them with their giggles and stares?? i know its kind of childish but oh freaking well!! im uncomfortable infront of them who cares!! if they were my own it would be different!!

has anyone else expeireinced this? how did you deal with it?

any advice would be great!!!

please dont leave comments if you are going to judge!! im having a hard enough time with this i dont need anyone making it more difficult for me!!!

Comments (39)

I say to try it and see how it goes. There are plenty of options with covers or blankets so you don't have to be completey exposed but I also think the more you breastfeed at home the more the boys will get used to it. You could go into a different room if you're that uncomfortable, or worse case stop if it's that awkward for you but I think it's worth a shot!

You'll be setting a good example of how it's best for babies to be fed, & teaching them for their futures as fathers.
You can be very discreet also
I wouldn't change what's best for my baby over something that's easily worked out/gotten used to.

Nursing shirts. Your their mom & what you teach them is how they will be as men. If they see mom bf ( discreetly) they will learn & support their wives someday because mom set a good example. You can nurse in your room or with a cover. Really- good lesson for all! And healthy & natural.

I lived with my very, very shy father in law when I had DS and I just threw a blanket over my boob whenever I was nursing and he was around. It was no big deal :) I believe pretty strongly in breaking the stigma around it so I don't even worry about it now and no one even notices.

Nursing shirts, nursing covers, lots of options! Just telling them you're about to nurse will probably clear the room. Give it a try just to see, and you may be surprised. Or you may hate it, and that's okay too. You'll never know until you try!

I pumped for 3 weeks with my son. If I was going to breastfeed I would use a cover even in front of my hubby. I am just uncomfortable with bf ing. We will pump for a short time this time as well and then do formula.

I definitely recommend a nursing cover. They're pretty light and airy, but keep your boobs from prying eyes. I second BlueBear and add that this is a great opportunity for you to teach your boys about the functional side of breasts. I think breastfeeding helps boys and girls learn greater respect for bodies when we show that their purpose is significantly more important than being sexualized objects. Not only is it healthy for your baby, but your boys will benefit from it too. Good luck